Trigeminal Neuralgia Center Opens at Mercy Medical Center

SPRINGFIELD — Mercy Medical Center now offers services at the region’s first dedicated care center for patients suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, an extremely painful affliction characterized by intense, electrical shock-like pain usually affecting one side of the face.

Under the medical direction of Dr. Kamal K. Kalia, the new Trigeminal Neuralgia Care Center offers comprehensive treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and other cranial nerve disorders. Kalia is board-certified in neurosurgery and has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia and other cranial nerve disorders.

The Trigeminal Neuralgia Care Center offers services focusing on the needs of patients from across the region. Specifically, a nurse serves as a ‘patient navigator’ and coordinates all aspects of patient care by scheduling the necessary appointments, providing information about support groups, and even assisting with hotel accommodations.

“Dr. Kalia is a dedicated neurosurgeon who has long focused his attention on efforts to assist sufferers of this extremely painful condition,” said Dr. James E. Fanale, chief operating officer of Mercy Medical Center.

“During his residency at the University of Pittsburgh, he spent seven years in training with Dr. Peter Jannetta, the doctor who pioneered microvascular decompression for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. We are proud to offer these services at the Trigeminal Neuralgia Care Center under his outstanding medical direction.”